A Feminist Reading of Coming Out as Dalit by Yashica Dutt

Abstract

Dalit feminist writers in the 21st century aim to expose issues like violence, abuse, sexual harassment and the injustice faced by Dalit women. Dalit women face constant threats of physical assault and sexual violence. Dalit women writers critique male dominance within their communities and challenge mainstream feminism for overlooking caste-based discrimination. These writers advocate for a more inclusive approach that acknowledges the specific experiences of Dalit women. Through literature, these voices advocate for legal reform, solidarity and the recognition of Dalit women's rights as essential to achieving gender social justice. In contrast to mainstream feminist literature that mainly focuses on Dalit women’s writing highlights the layered discrimination and gender inequality caused by the caste system. In Coming Out as Dalit, Yashica Dutt explores violence from both psychological and social standpoints. Dutt critiques upper-caste feminism for neglecting the caste-based oppression of Dalit women, whose oppression is compounded by caste-based discrimination, patriarchy and economic exploitation. This paper will examine Yashica Dutt’s Coming Out as Dalit to analyse the multifaceted violence faced by Dalit women.